JJK: Hourglass - CH6

[Nanashi POV.]

It’s been three days since I was kidnapped by Gojo Satoru, three days since I was forcibly enrolled in Jujutsu High. 

I don’t know what to think about my situation, I mean… I was still coming to terms with the fact I didn’t remember anything at all about my life, and before I could do that… here I was.

I’m not gonna go out and say that I feel like there is something missing inside of me, because I don’t. After all, how can you miss what you can’t remember? But all and all, you have to admit the entire situation was beyond bizarre… from waking up in the middle of Japan, to… well, this?

I have humored various thoughts since Gojo brought me here, not at all of them worthy of consideration, I suppose that in a way I was just trying to rationalize things in order to understand them.

I even considered trying to escape the school once Gojo wasn’t around, if anything to see what would happen. But the thing is, I really didn’t have anything to escape from. 

I didn’t feel threatened by him, or the others… Well, I was a bit threatened by Panda at first, but he’s a big ass bear, talking bear or not, anyone in their sane mind would’ve harbored some fear of the big animal. But over time, I realized that Panda was more of a soft giant than an actual bear, he was surprisingly gentle, and could even crack a joke or two, though his timing left a lot to be desired.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my train of thought. It was late, and the knock was hesitant, as if unsure whether to knock or not. Needless to say, due to the hour, I wasn't expecting anyone, which only added to my curiosity. "Come in," I called out.

The door creaked open, revealing the one behind the door to be, Yuta Okkotsu. I'd seen him around the campus a few times since my abrupt enrollment, and from what I'd gathered, he was known for being incredibly powerful, yet surprisingly shy and reserved. 

"Hey, um... I hope I'm not bothering you," Yuta began, his voice carrying a tone of genuine concern. He stepped into the room, his posture slightly hunched, as if ready to retreat at the first sign of unwelcome. "I just... wanted to see how you were settling in."

His demeanor was friendly, almost painfully so, with an undercurrent of empathy that seemed to radiate from him, there was something that about him that screamed: I don’t want to be alone. It was a stark contrast to the bravado the others students and faculty at the school, aka Gojo had. 

As a matter of fact, at a first glance anyone would assume he was the weakest kid around. That being said, there was… a certain feeling around him, that made my skin crawl, and that alone unsettled me. Why? Well, because despite knowing very well that everyone here could kick my ass, he was the only one that actually made me feel scared.

Around him, I felt like I had to pick my words and actions carefully, or there would be severe consequences.

"I'm... managing, I guess," I replied, offering him a small smile. "It's a lot to take in, you know? First I don’t remember a thing, which is fine, because I don’t miss a thing, but then I’m kidnapped by Gojo, and all of a sudden, I’m a student here." 

Yuta nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, I can imagine. It's not every day you wake up with no memories of your past," he said, his tone gentle. "I went through something... not exactly similar, but I had my own struggles when I first came here. If you ever need someone to talk to, or have questions about anything, I'm here." 

"I’ll keep it in mind," I replied.

Yuta's gaze shifted to the ground, as if something had suddenly embarrassed him. "I also wanted to ask if... you'd like to join me and some of the others for lunch tomorrow? It might be a good way to get to know everyone better." 

Hmm, I might as well. "Sure."

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[Third Person POV.]

Within the Jujutsu council. An assembly of the most influential and powerful figures within the Jujutsu society, sat in grim anticipation, waiting. The heavy doors swung open with a resounding thud, and Satoru Gojo, the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer, walked in. Immediately, the council members' expressions tightened, a mixture of annoyance and apprehension greeting the one they had summoned. 

"We've summoned you, Gojo, to address a matter of utmost urgency," The head of the council, an old man on his seventies, began, his voice a deep tone that resonated through the chamber. "It concerns the new students, Nanashi and Yuta Okkotsu. Their power levels are... unprecedented. Such individuals could pose a significant threat to our world, especially if they turn out like Geto Suguru."

The room fell silent, the weight of the council's verdict hanging heavily in the air. All eyes were on Gojo, awaiting his response. 

Gojo tilted his head, his ever-present blindfold masking his eyes, but not the amused smirk playing on his lips. "Oh? And you'd like me to... execute them, is that it?" he asked, his tone light, almost flippant, as if discussing the weather rather than the lives of his students.

The council members shifted uncomfortably, the absurdity of Gojo mocking their grave decision only adding to their unease. 

"Yes, Gojo. It's the only way to ensure the safety of—" one council member tried to argue, but Gojo cut him off with a laugh. 

"Execute them? My, my, we're feeling dramatic today, aren't we?" Gojo chided, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Tell me, have you ever considered a career in theater? I hear they're looking for talents who excel at making mountains out of molehills." 

The council bristled at his mockery. "Yuta Okkotsu is a cursed child, and Nanashi is an unknown variable that appeared out of nowhere, both are far too powerful, their curse energy alone is on par with yours! Can’t you see they represent threats far too big to ignore!?!"

Gojo, chuckled, as he leaned back slightly, a smirk playing at the edges of his lips. "Oh, is that so? And here I thought we were in the business of training powerful sorcerers. My mistake."

The council members raged, glaring at Gojo. "This is no laughing matter, Gojo," another council member snapped. "Their potential for destruction is too great. They must be eliminated before they become uncontrollable." 

"Eliminated?" Gojo's voice was light, but the sudden chill in the air was a clear indicator of the shift in his mood. "You're asking me to kill my students because you're afraid of what they might become? That's... quaint."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, well aware of the power Gojo wielded, power that could easily end them if provoked. 

Gojo stood, his height and demeanor casting a long shadow over the council. "Let me make one thing perfectly clear," he began, his voice now devoid of any amusement. "Nanashi and Yuta are under my protection. They are my students, my responsibility. If any of you so much as think about laying a finger on them, well..." He paused, letting the threat hang in the air, his eyes gleaming with unspoken menace.

The council remained silent, the message received loud and clear. After all, Gojo Satoru's reputation was not built on empty threats.

With a playful chuckle, Gojo turned on his heel. "I suggest you all focus on real threats to our world, rather than inventing them where they don't exist. Good day, gentlemen."